Area Attractions

Hiking in Bryce Canyon ranges from easy hikes of less than 1 mile with moderate grades to strenuous hikes with steep grades and multiple evelvation changes that can take even the most seasoned hiker all day to complete. Bryce Canyon even offers back country hiking with over night camping in a wilderness environment. Bryce Canyon is a moderate 90 minute drive from Willow Glen making for a convenient day trip. Listed below are some popular hiking trails in Bryce Canyon.

Easy HikesThese hikes are classified as easy to moderate difficulties as they have gentle grades and minimal elevation changes. They include:

Mossy Cave(.8 mi/1.3k round trip) Streamside walk up to a mossy overhang and small waterfall. (Waterfall flows May to October)

Queens Garden (1.8 mi/2.9 km round trip) This is the least difficult trail into the canyon. Using your imagination you may even see Queen Victoria at the end of a short spur trail.

Moderate HikesModerate Hikes have steep grades with "down and back" elevation changes, and include the following trails:

Navajo Trail (1.3 mi/2.2 km round trip) Navajo Loop is completely open, by ascending over the top of the latest rock slide. Please use caution traversing this trail. Thor's Hammer and Two Bridges side of trail is open all the way to canyon floor.

Hat Shop (4 mi/6.4 km round trip) Descend to the Under-the-Rim Trail to see a cluster of balanced-rock hoodoos.

Swamp Canyon (4.3 mi/7.2 km round trip) Descend into one of the lesser known areas of Bryce Canyon.

Strenuous HikesStrenuous Hikes are those consisting of steep grades with multiple elevation changes. These hikes are not recommended for the "faint" of heart. Carry plenty of water; 1 quart/liter per person, per 2-3 hours of hiking. Combining some of these hikes can also add to the adventure of a more experienced hiker, such as the Navajo and Peek-A-Boo or Navajo, Queens Garden and Peek-A-Boo. The Peek-A-Boo Loop Trail shares the trail with Horse/Mule rides and hikers are cautioned to give the right-of-way to these animals. These hikes include:

Peek-A-Boo Loop (5.5 mi/8.8 km round trip) Steep but spectacular hike through the heart of Bryce Amphitheater. See the Wall of Windows. (This trail is shared by the trail ride concession).

Riggs Spring Loop(8.5 miles/14.2 km round trip) High elevation hike leaving from Rainbow point down through varied forests of Spruce, Fir and Bristlecone.

Visit Bryce Canyon National Park's Hiking page for more detailed descriptions and important hiking information. This link will take you to another web site and open in a new window. Simply close the window when finished to return to Willow Glen Inn.